What is Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS)?

The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) course is an educational program focused on training individuals for careers in the maritime industry, particularly as navigators or deck officers on ships.

This course typically spans a duration of one to two years, varying based on the specific institution offering the program.

During the DNS course, students undertake a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential aspects of maritime navigation, ship operations, and seamanship.

They learn theoretical concepts and practical skills necessary for safely and efficiently managing vessels at sea.

Subjects include navigation techniques, ship stability principles, maritime laws and regulations, meteorology, cargo handling procedures, and seamanship skills.

Practical training is a crucial component of the DNS course, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of ship operations.

This may include exercises in boat handling, knot tying, firefighting drills, and other seamanship skills.

Upon successful completion of the DNS course, graduates receive a diploma or certificate, depending on the institution.

With this qualification, they become eligible to pursue careers as deck cadets or junior officers on different types of ships, such as merchant vessels, cruise liners, or offshore rigs.

Overall, the DNS course provides aspiring seafarers with the necessary knowledge and skills to embark on a rewarding career at sea, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic and challenging industry.

Diploma in Nautical Science Eligibility Calculator

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Is DNS the right path for you?
Use our interactive DNS Eligibility Calculator to:

• Check your eligibility:

Enter your academic details and see if you meet the requirements for DNS programs.

• Explore all options:

Access detailed information on DNS colleges, including course curriculum, fees, and placement opportunities.

• Explore all options:

Access detailed information on DNS colleges, including course curriculum, fees, and placement opportunities.

How to Join a Diploma in Nautical Science?

• • Director General of Shipping (DGS):

The DGS is a department under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India.

It is responsible for regulating maritime education and training in the country.

All DNS colleges and institutes offering the course must be approved by the DGS to ensure they meet the required standards.

The DGS conducts examinations and awards Certificates of Competency (CoC) to qualified DNS graduates, allowing them to work as Deck Officers on merchant navy ships.

• Indian Maritime University (IMU):

MU is a deemed university established by the Government of India, focusing exclusively on maritime education and training.

It offers its own DNS program through its affiliated colleges across India.

Many private institutes offering DNS courses are also affiliated with IMU, following their curriculum and appearing for IMU conducted entrance exams.

Eligibility Criteria

Age

17.5- 25 years (As on the date of commencement of course)

Education Qualification

12th Pass with at least 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), and 50% marks in English
OR
B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry with CGPA above 6.
OR
B.E./B. Tech. Degree from a college recognized by AICTE with CGPA above 6.

Medical Standards

Candidates should be medically and physically fit. A full medical check-up through a Panel Doctor approved by D.G Shipping will be undertaken. A complete eyesight test will also be conducted in which the distance vision should be 6/6 with no color blindness

Admission Process

Top 5 Diploma in Nautical Science colleges in India

• Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)

  

  Location

  Karjat, Maharashtra

  Course fees

  INR 7,60,000/-

  Course Structure

  1-Year

  Age

  17.5-25 years

  IMU-CET exam

  Should qualify IMU CET for the respective batch The procedure of applying for IMU CET and the dates and venue of “Entrance Test” etc. is published on the university website.

  Education Qualification

  Senior School Certificate/Higher Secondary Examination Class XII/ 10+2 From a recognized Board/ University with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM), with not less than 70% marks in PCM and 65% aggregate/ Equivalent GCE – UK “A” level/ International Baccalaureate Diploma
  OR
  B.Sc in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or Electronics with Physics As an individual subject in one of the years, with an average of not less than 65% marks in the final year, from a recognized University provided that the candidate must have passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized Board : [10+2 PCM >= 65%]
  OR
  B.E./ B.Tech. degree with average of not less than 65% In the final year from I.I.T. or from a college recognized by AICTE/ UGC, provided that the candidate must have passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized Board : [10+2 PCM >= 65%]

  Medical Eligibility

  Candidates should be medically and physically fit. A full medical check-up through a Panel Doctor approved by D.G Shipping will be undertaken. A complete eyesight test will also be conducted in which the distance vision should be 6/6 with no color blindness

  Age

  The maximum age of the candidate should be 25 years on the date of commencement of course (Course usually commences on 1st February and 1st August during every year).
  Marital Status – Unmarried

• The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS)

  

  Location

  Lonavala, Maharashtra

  Course fees

  INR 6,31,725/-

  Course Structure

  1-Year

  Age

  17-25 years

  IMU-CET exam

  Shortlisted candidates are required to take the Combined Entrance Test (CET) conducted by Indian Maritime University (IMU).

  Education Qualification

  Senior School Certificate/Higher Secondary Examination/Class XII/ 10+2 From a recognized Board/ University with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM), with not less than 60% marks in PCM
  OR
  B.Sc in Physics, Mathematics,Chemistry or Electronics with Physics
  As an individual subject in one of the years, with an average of not less than 50% marks in the final year, from a recognized University provided that the candidate must have passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized Board : [10+2 PCM >= 60%]

  Medical Eligibility

  Candidates should be medically and physically fit. A full medical check-up through a Panel Doctor approved by D.G Shipping will be undertaken. A complete eyesight test will also be conducted in which the distance vision should be 6/6 with no color blindness.

  Age

  Maximum 24 years

• Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)

  

  Location

  Lonavala, Maharashtra

  Course fees

  6,00,000 INR/-

  Course Structure

  1-Year

  Age

  17-22 years

  IMU-CET exam

  Candidates must clear IMU CET also

  Education Qualification

  Results should be obtained at FIRST ATTEMPT from Regular Boards only (Class XII): Minimum Aggregate – 60% Minimum PCM aggregate – 60% Minimum score in Physics & Maths individually – 50% Minimum aggregate for Physics & Maths – 60% (For Andhra Pradesh & Kerala State Board, separate board exams held for each class(11th & 12th) & hence, aggregate of both marks are considered)
  OR
  BSc: Degree in Physics/ Chemistry/ Mathematics/ Electronics with minimum 55% in final year & 60% marks over all along with Min 55% in PCM in Class XII
  OR
  BE/B Tech: Degree from an AICTE with min 50% in final year

  Medical Eligibility

  Physically fit and meet the standards laid out by DG Shipping
  No Colour Blindness, 6/6 vision in better eye and maximum permissible up to 6/9 in the other eye (without visual aids)

  Age

  For Class XII: Not less than 17 years & Not more than 20 years For B.Sc.: Not more than 22 years For B.E./B. Tech. Degree Not more than 25 years

• Maritime Training Institute by Shipping Corporation of India

  

  Location

  Mumbai, Maharashtra

  Course fees

  INR 7,00,000/-

  Course Structure

  1-Year

  Age

  Between 17.5 to 25 years

  IMU-CET exam

  CANDIDATES QUALIFIED IMU-CET

  Education Qualification

  Pass in 10+2 examination from a recognized Board with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) with not less than 60% marks. Students who have appeared for 10+2 examination and waiting for results are also eligible to apply & qualify for examination subject to fulfill the percentage criteria prior the commencement of course.
  OR
  Pass in B.Sc (PCM)/B.sc (Electronics with Physics as individual subject in one of the years) with marks not less than 60% from a recognized University.
  OR
  B.E. / B. Tech. degree from an AICTE recognized college with marks not less than 50%.Pass in 10+2 examination from a recognized Board with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) with not less than 60% marks. Students who have appeared for 10+2 examination and waiting for results are also eligible to apply & qualify for examination subject to fulfill the percentage criteria prior the commencement of course.
  OR
  Pass in B.Sc (PCM)/B.sc (Electronics with Physics as individual subject in one of the years) with marks not less than 60% from a recognized University.
  OR
  B.E. / B. Tech. degree from an AICTE recognized college with marks not less than 50%.

  Medical Eligibility

  Candidate must have good health and be fit for sea service as per existing MS Medical Examination Amendment rules 2016 / MLC 2006 applicable to seafarers.
  Physical standards are as mentioned below:
  Height: Minimum 157 cms. OR as per the DGS Guidelines. Relaxation in height for the candidates from hilly and tribal areas will be in accordance with DGS/Govt. guidelines.
  Weight: Proportionate to height and age.
  Hearing: Normal
  Visual Standard: 6/6 (Normal Eye). Defective colour vision (Colour Blindness) NOT accepted.

  Age

  Not more than 25 Years of age as on date declared in IMU CET prospectus.

• Tolani Maritime Institute

  

  Location

  Pune, Maharashtra

  Course fees

  Rs. 6,07,000/-

  Course Structure

  1-Year

  Age

  Between 17.5 to 25 years

  IMU-CET exam

  CANDIDATES QUALIFIED IMU-CET

  Education Qualification

  You must have successfully completed the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) or its equivalent with:
  At least 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (P C M).
  At least 50% marks in English either in 10th or 12th standard
  Note: Shipping companies prefer candidates with PCM 70% in first attempt.

  Medical Eligibility

  To be declared fit for selection, a candidate must be in good mental and physical health and free from any deficiency likely to interfere with the efficient performance of duties, as per the medical standards laid down by the Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India.
  Candidates for DNS (IMU) programme must have 6/6 vision in both eyes or 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye. Color blindness is not permitted.
  Medical fitness has to be certified by DG Shipping approved company doctors.

  Age

  17.5- 25 years (As on the date of commencement of course)